How could anything be stripped down to such simple ideas? People were complex, their motivations and reasoning diverse, and the attempts at improving oneself could go in many directions and avenues. Only the most noble of souls would truly be able to put the good of another above their own wants and desires, and Adelaide had never met such a person.

Not that all people were selfish or self-absorbed, but there was an innate determination to see that one was as satisfied as could be with their life and situation. In a truly equal partnership, such as Lily had been describing, surely there would be a similar motivation to see the other party as satisfied as one’s self.

But to truly be so invested in the success, satisfaction, pleasure, and progress of someone else… it would take a saint and nothing less.

Adelaide was no saint, and she was certain Basset was not either.

Perhaps they could come to an understanding where the other was concerned, and their mutual success could benefit each other. It would allow them to reach the same ends as Lily was suggesting without half-hearted attempts to be so chivalrous.

That seemed far more realistic.

Mindlessly, Adelaide moved down the selection of foods, taking what she wished and leaving what she did not, then retrieving a cup of the blessed chocolate with a grateful nod at the footman stationed there. Lily was at her side in a moment, a cup in her hand as well.

“Let us go over there by the window,” Lily suggested. “There is someone I would like you to meet.”

Adelaide allowed Lily to lead, following without taking much trouble to adjust her face into her perfectly polite mask. There was no point in pretending she was eager to meet someone else whom she did not know at her own wedding breakfast. It would mean the individual was a friend of Basset’s, and it was difficult enough to act her pleasantly satisfied bride persona with those who knew nothing of the man.

Attempting the same with those who knew exactly what she had gotten herself into, and approved of him, would be worse. Although, if she were honest, her father had gotten her into this.

As he had not married Lord Basset this morning, one wondered why it had mattered so very much to him, but that was a discussion for another time and would address an entire generation.

Best to stick with what was imminent and more personal.

Exhaling slowly, Adelaide approached the copper-haired woman toward whom Lily had gone. She seemed a pleasant, warm sort of woman, not mingling with the other guests, but not exactly remaining outside of their circles. She was elegantly dressed, just as Lily had been, which spoke well of status, but there was something far more natural and simple in her features than one usually saw in London Society.